DOJ's $248K food contract with Mullen Marketing LLC for FY26 Q3 raises questions on value and competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,840 ($24.8K)

Contractor: Mullen Marketing LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-26

Contract Duration: 86 days

Daily Burn Rate: $289/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 3RD QTR SUBSISTENCE

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19106

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $24,840 to MULLEN MARKETING LLC for work described as: FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 3RD QTR SUBSISTENCE Key points: 1. The contract's value appears reasonable for a 3-month perishable food supply, but detailed cost breakdowns are needed for a full assessment. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear as the contract was awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which may limit broad market engagement. 3. Risk indicators are low given the short duration and nature of the service, but vendor performance history should be monitored. 4. Performance context suggests a routine procurement for essential services, aligning with the Bureau of Prisons' operational needs. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader federal food services and logistics market, a consistent area of government spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $248,400 for a 3-month period for subsistence supplies is within a typical range for federal prison facilities. However, without a detailed breakdown of the specific food items and quantities, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar contracts for perishable prepared food manufacturing for correctional institutions would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract shifts some risk to the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government if costs are well-managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for streamlined procurement of goods and services below certain dollar thresholds. While SAP aims to increase efficiency, it typically involves fewer bidders than full and open competition. The number of bids received (19) suggests some level of interest, but it does not necessarily indicate robust market competition. The specific solicitation method within SAP (e.g., GSA Advantage, FedBizOpps) would further clarify the extent of outreach.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this procurement may limit the government's ability to secure the lowest possible prices due to a potentially smaller pool of competing vendors. While 19 bids is a decent number, taxpayers could potentially benefit from wider competition that might drive prices down further.

Public Impact

Inmates at the Federal Prison System facility in Pennsylvania will benefit from the provision of subsistence supplies. The services delivered include the manufacturing and supply of perishable prepared food, ensuring daily nutritional needs are met. The geographic impact is localized to the Federal Prison System facility in Pennsylvania. Workforce implications are primarily related to the contractor's employees involved in food production and delivery, with no direct federal workforce expansion.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract periods if competition remains limited under SAP.
Dependence on a single contractor for essential subsistence supplies could pose a supply chain risk.
Ensuring consistent quality and safety standards for perishable food items requires diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
A relatively high number of bids (19) under SAP suggests some market interest and potential for competitive pricing.
The short contract duration (approximately 3 months) limits long-term exposure and allows for re-evaluation of procurement strategies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader federal spending category for food services and supplies, a critical component of correctional facility operations. The market for providing subsistence to federal prisons is substantial, with numerous contractors vying for these essential service contracts. Mullen Marketing LLC operates within the food manufacturing and distribution sector. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar contracts can vary significantly based on the size of the facility, specific dietary requirements, and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information suggesting subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to Mullen Marketing LLC, without further details on its size, makes it difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. Future solicitations could explore small business set-aside options to promote greater participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Federal Prison System. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Food Services
Bureau of Prisons Commissary Operations
Department of Justice Procurement
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules (potential indirect use)
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support (food programs)

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for value assessment.
Need for contractor performance history review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $24,840 to MULLEN MARKETING LLC. FDC PHILADELPHIA FY26 3RD QTR SUBSISTENCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MULLEN MARKETING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24,840.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-26.

What is the specific breakdown of food items and quantities included in this $248,400 contract?

The provided data does not include a specific breakdown of food items and quantities. The contract is described as 'Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing' for 'Subsistence'. To conduct a thorough value analysis, a detailed list of ingredients, meal components, and projected consumption volumes would be necessary. This level of detail would allow for comparison against market prices for individual food items and assess the overall cost-effectiveness of the package. Without this information, the assessment relies on general benchmarks for correctional facility food service contracts.

How does the per-unit cost of meals or food items compare to industry benchmarks for correctional facilities?

A direct per-unit cost comparison is not possible with the current data. The total contract value is $248,400 for a 3-month period (approximately 90 days). Assuming the contract serves a facility with, for example, 500 inmates, the daily per-inmate food cost would be approximately $16.56 ($248,400 / 90 days / 500 inmates). This figure needs to be validated against the actual inmate population and the specific menu provided. Industry benchmarks for correctional facility food service can range widely, often between $3 to $7 per inmate per day for basic rations, but can be higher for prepared meals or specialized dietary needs. The $16.56 figure appears high, suggesting either a very comprehensive meal service, a smaller inmate population than assumed, or a need for further cost scrutiny.

What is Mullen Marketing LLC's track record with federal food service contracts, particularly for correctional institutions?

Information regarding Mullen Marketing LLC's specific track record with federal food service contracts, especially for correctional institutions, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS), and any reported issues or commendations. Understanding their experience in meeting the unique demands of correctional facility food supply, including security protocols, dietary requirements, and timely delivery, is crucial for evaluating the reliability and value of this award. Without this historical context, the assessment relies on the assumption of satisfactory performance.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Awarding contracts under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) carries potential risks, primarily related to reduced competition and transparency. While SAP is designed for efficiency in procuring goods and services below certain thresholds (currently $250,000), it may not attract the full spectrum of potential vendors compared to full and open competition. This can lead to suboptimal pricing, as the government might not achieve the best possible value. Additionally, the streamlined nature of SAP can sometimes reduce the depth of review for contractor qualifications and past performance. For taxpayers, the risk is paying a higher price than might be achievable through a more broadly competed contract. Ensuring adequate market research was conducted prior to using SAP is key to mitigating these risks.

How does this contract's value compare to overall federal spending on correctional facility food services?

This contract's value of $248,400 represents a small fraction of the overall federal spending on correctional facility food services. The Bureau of Prisons alone manages a vast network of facilities, and their annual food service budget likely runs into hundreds of millions of dollars. This specific contract covers a short, 3-month period for a single facility's subsistence needs. While the individual contract value is modest, the aggregate spending across all federal agencies (including BOP, ICE, military brigs, etc.) on food services for incarcerated populations is substantial. Analyzing this contract in isolation provides limited insight into broader spending trends, but it is indicative of the ongoing need for such services across the federal system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Food Manufacturing › Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15B21726Q00000003

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 806 W 5TH ST, DICKSON, TN, 37055

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,260

Exercised Options: $42,260

Current Obligation: $24,840

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline